One of the little side-stories to the selection of Senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama’s running mate is that of his son Beau. I often am in disagreement with Senator Biden on issues and I suspect the same would be true of his son. But there is an aspect of his life for which I have the greatest respect, though it also raises some serious questions.
Beau Biden is 37 years old and, since 2007, he has served as Attorney General of Delaware. It is widely expected that, if his dad is elected Vice-President, he will be appointed to fill the vacancy. But Beau is also a Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard and, as such, he is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in October as a JAG officer.
When he was going as the son of a prominent United States Senator, there were some questions raised about his safety and the safety of his fellow soldiers. But other Senators have children or other relatives serving and it was considered to be acceptable for him to go ahead and serve.
But now he would be going as the son of the Vice President (or potential Vice President) of the United States. This raises things to a whole new level and merits serious discussion. Terrorists would love to target such an opportunity to either kill or kidnap such a high-profile figure. Just as the British faced the question when it came to Prince Harry we must consider this dilemma right now.
It is not simply a matter of Captain Biden’s personal safety (though obviously the safety of any soldier is important). It is a matter of the risk to those around him, those who would be potential collateral damage in an attack on Biden. The JAG Corps does not often face serious threats from outside attack but, with Biden there, it would be a real possibility.
I honor Captain Biden for his service and consider pride in his defense of our country to be a non-partisan issue. Should he serve, then we should all take pride in his doing so, should it be decided that it is too dangerous, nobody should offer a word of disdain.
I am no military expert and I will leave the ultimate decision to those who are better suited to decide. I simply think that there needs to be a discussion and there needs to be a decision.